What does fall feel like on your toes? Nope, seriously-once the leaves begin to crunch (and those sandals are exchanged to a pair of boots), does your pedi change with the temperament as well? If not, you’re missing out. Here is the thing: fall is not only a chance to pull out knits and pare your pumpkin spice lattes-it is a brand-new chance to power up your nail game by embracing darker colors, textural pyramids, and whimsical paintings.
Fall toe nail designs ideas 2025 this year presents the argument in order to make the least effort and produce the greatest effects. Whether you religiously go to the salon to get slots or you only bust out the polish when itβ exit_TRAN expEmit hardly, the ideas below are both wearable and more than Pinterest-board-worthy. Here then, what is the colour saying of your toes this season?
Olive Green Meets Minimal Floral
There’s something quietly powerful about this sage green-meets-flower combo. It’s not loud. It’s not screaming for attention. But it whispers class. The green is dull–army fatigue, but a shade darker–and is set off by a little flower of white adorning the big toe, in the center of which there is a single gem. It is casual enough to wear every day, but has just touch enough details to feel put together.
For this look, I reach for OPI’s “Suzi Talks with Her Hands” or Essie’s “Win Me Over” as the base. That muted green is critical—it can’t be too warm or too yellow. Using a regular nail art brush and something white such as Olive & Junes HD is enough on the flower. I seal a little clear builder gel over the top of the gem to make it last till boot season.
You don’t need an elaborate kit to recreate this. The two coats of green polish follow your base coat. Let it dry fully before drawing three simple petals. Use a dotting tool (or even a bobby pin) to place the rhinestone at the center. Put a sealant on it with a good top coat-my go to brands are Seche Vite Dry Fast.
This takes me way back to October middays when one was strolling through a park with a chai latte. It’s earthy and grounded, just like the season. There is also such thing as a quiet nail which is the loudest statement, and this nail says, Look at the trends, yet do not follow me.
Mermaid Chrome Magic
Okay, this should be one of the trends you will want to bookmark in 2025, I mean this mermaid-core metallic trend. The multidimensional shift of aqua, turquoise, and violet? It’s like your toes are dipped in ocean shimmer. It is an ideal length that fits best during transitional weather when you still want to keep the glitter of summer but start to long the richness of fall.
To nail this (pun intended), I go for Holo Taco’s “Aurora Unicorn Skin” layered over a deep blue gel base like Madam Glam’s “Dark Sapphire”. Under the chrome effect, apply powder pigment such as Mirror Chrome Powder sold by Born Pretty-rub it on when the top coat is tacky. The result? Reflective, glassy, futuristic.
Start with a dark base. Two coats, cured under a lamp. Next, dab the powdered chrome on to the nail with an eyeshadow applicator or silicone brush. It transforms instantly. Lock it in by finish with a glossy top coat. Toe rings to add extra drama are a possibility, too–I have a pair in the shape of an infinity symbol that people always go crazy over.
I don t know how to explain this polish but it makes me feel like a sea witch and runway model. I wore the same tone to a rooftop party at night last fall and someone actually stopped me to tell me what colour it was. It has a vibe it low light photographic dreams are made of.
White & Leopard Pop
Here’s what happens when classic meets wild. This combination goes with creamy off-white polish and one high-impact accent toe in the polish leopard moment in black, nude and gold. It is a design that is like saying “I am light hearted but not trying hard.” It reverts to the leopard print, a gentle reminder of fall with all its heavy animal print uniforms- no need to go full cheetah however.
You need a base of a creamy polish such as Zoya range in Jack or Essie in Marshmallow. When it comes to the leopard print, you are best with nail art pens or thin brushes. I use Orly Instant Artist in black to get clean spots and use a touch of gold foil or shimmer polish in between.
As far as the design goes: Paint nails white and leave to dry completely. On the large toe, with your brush, draw spots by making “C” shapes and making dots to resemble leopard spots on the big toe. You want to make it just a bit unpredictable–poor man leopard print is not solemn. The last coat consists of a top coat that makes everything to melt and get shiny.
This look has a playful edge. I had something of this on when I went to see my friend in New York in the fall. We were museum-hopping and somebody in a bagel store complimented my toes on line. It is a little evidence that your pedi may be included in the outfit even in situations when no one anticipates it.
Classic French, But Make It Fall
Timeless and oh-so-chic, the French tip is back (did it ever leave?), but this time it’s leaning more creamy than stark white. It is soft, subtle, the type of clean-girl vibe that will go with every fall boot, mule or cozy slipper you intend on wearing this season. It is softly rounded in shape and the tip is nearly a whisper of a sound- a little bit there but without a doubt it is a beauty.
Your foundation color needs to be neutral, not overly pink-OPI Bubble Bath or CND Bare Chemise are both fine. One may apply the tip freehand or with French tip guides using Essie Blanc but with a sheer overlay in order to mellow the contrast. Think warm whites, not icy.
On good days I go freehand with a small brush. Nude base on two coats, and then very lightly rub, the white tip. Once dry it may be glossed with a top coat. Honestly, it is soothing it seems to take forever to do but the end result is that finished, I get regular pedicures feel that everyone desires.
French tips on toes are my fail-safe. They work when I’m indecisive. They go with anything and when the weather changes they somehow seem extra fresh. It is the trench coat of the pedicures, no one gets sick of it or forgets it.
Pearly Glazed Neutrals
We can give this first round of fall inspo a silent finale: pearly beige. It is one of those fall toe nail designs ideas 2025 that is not going to be trendy-it is simply gorgeous in its simplicity. The velvet-like, shiny finish creates some depth as a pearl in the sunlight. It has spa-day vibes, even when you did it yourself in your bathroom and listened to a podcast.
I prefer Sally Hansen Color Therapy in Slicks and stones or Deborah lippmann Like A Virgin, that perfect soft champagne look. To add additional shimmer, add one or more layers of a pearl top coat such as Holo Taco Solar Unicorn Skin. Slowly is the secret–Layer enough on to that glowing intensity.
Application here is all about even coats. Excessive and it gets thick hence, less is best. Add a gel-like top protective layer and wait till it dries completely. Believe me, it is worth being patient when the finish is this smooth.
I have learned that this color suits well with soft knits, cozy cardigans and late Sunday brunches. It feels like light through a foggy window. Sparkling, soothing, and sort of enchanted in its simplest form. I just came back after a weekend in Napa-type energy, even when you have just been home with a glass of red.
Wild Neutrals: Zebra Meets Leopard
In case of insufficient aliveness expressed in one animal print, why not cross the prints? The look is a mixture of a white zebra detail on top of a soft brown/co-colour with a traditional black and nude leopard. It is remarkably harmonious- the prints seem to have a purpose, they are well affirmed by the dark neutral background. It shouts warm cashmere and some wild streak. There is statement and there is sophistication and yes that is a thing.
I base this off of Essie polish number 522, Clothing Optional (it is a warm brown but not too orange) and the zebra stripe is OPI 096, Alpine Snow. With the leopard, CND Cream Puff and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri overlay in the color Black to Black is good for the spots. The combination of reflective materials maintains the aesthetic high and not disordered.
The secret is to allow the nails to dry after which you can proceed to the art. With zebra, take striper brush in hand and brush with the flick of your wrist- don not attempt to make them regular. Leopard is less difficult than it seems to be: lumps of nude, fringed with coarse black serrations. Imperfection is part of the charm. Finnish it with INM Out The Door top coat- it locks it in fast.
This mix takes me back to clear fall autumns and drinking wine on the spur of the moment. It will even dare to show around loafers, but it is relaxed enough to do some running around errands on weekends. I was in something like that in a beige trench and I felt like I was out of a Copenhagen street style blog.
Tangerine Splatter Pop
This is to the daring girls who do not yet want to say goodbye to the color as the leaves are falling. With splattered-art accented-toe in bright tangerine, this is very serious modern-art stuff. It’s vibrant, a little chaotic (in the best way), and so perfect for when your outfits get darker and your nails need to speak up.
The orange reminds me of ORLYs Life A Beach but to be more substantial I wear OPI Have Your Panettone and Eat It too, a comforting pumpkin-spice shade that is perfect in the fall. To do the splatter, take a thin brush or even the use of a toothbrush with black and white uber nail art polish applied to it to get that Jackson Pollock appearance.
Take you full base coat, two coats of orange. Paint the accent toe nude or white and then flick or dot on polish with faster messier strokes. Keep a cleanup brush handy—splatter can get wild. Slick it up with a gel-effect top coat to that glassy finish.
I wore something similar the previous Halloween season- wore with black midi dress and combat boots. Suffice to say that my nails were getting some attention more than my costume. It is subversive, cool, and it puts a little spotlight on your toes which they seldom deserve.
Golden Sparkle on Snow
The white nail during fall still has a purpose, though-when combined with the foil gold. This look is crisp, clean, and subtly celebratory. The base is a white background that reminds one of the initial frosty hints of winter whereas the specks are gold that reminds as they are left-over autumn leaves in the sun. It is the type of design which makes you feel refined especially when you are in the midst of a hectic week.
I go down to Essie Blanc that creamy and white base. The shimmer is provided by gold foil flakes- either orderable on Amazon, or available in any nail art store. To top coat apply and press lightly into tacky layer of polish. My favorite Beetles gel top coat is that it keeps the foil on without fading the shine.
Apply two coats of white, cure them (if using gel), then gently place foil on top with tweezers or a silicone tool. End off by using a good amount of top coat to level up the texture. It’s easier than it looks—and oddly relaxing.
I paired this with my gold jewelry and white knit sweater last year on Thanksgiving and weirdly enough it looked intentional. It gave such clean-girl energy without being boring. Certainly something to go to when having the family over or when you just need a posh stay-in weekend.
Monochrome Wavy Lines
You can never go wrong with swirls that are still on trend and this interpretation offers limited sophistication with a twist; literally. The color is nude pink with black waves and a tint of dark taupe cur renting the nail in opposite directions. It’s graphic, wearable, and very modern. In your mind: I love design energy but put it on your toes.
The base here I would take is OPI Bare My Soul they have a super neutral, only slightly pink base. To do the swirls, I used a fine nail art brush by Maybelline along with gelliner by Revlon, a black one and a taupe one. Modelones Gel Liner Set is richly pigmented and very controlled, just what you require to obtain those sharp curves.
Prime the bottom, let it dry and then out the swirls–you do not want to hurry this decor. Don’t overcrowd the nail—less is more. A slightly matte top coat would go well here as well adding a slight editorial touch but glossy is classic.
When I have used this type of abstract swirl people have always asked me whether I had it done in an expensive saloon. Spoiler: I didn’t. It’s just that sleek. It is ideal for mulching fits between seasons-such as trench coats, black mules, and iced oat milk lattes on crisp mornings.
Champagne & Crystals
To my glam girls who are lacking a little bit of sparkle when temps are cold-this one is on you. When that nude base is matched with rose gold glitter and line of small crystals, it is footwear jewelry. It’s luxurious, delicate, and gives full fall wedding guest energy (even if you’re just vibing at brunch).
The base nude is the Butter London Yummy Mummy or Essie Topless and Barefoot to which I would recommend. To the glitter, Zoya has an extra glow, in the form of Alicia, or OPI Champagne For Breakfast. The crystals? Self adhesive rhinestones can be used, or a little builder gel can be used to fix them on.
Apply the nude base and apply glitter to top one/two accent nails. With the help of tweezers take the crystals in a straightened line, either at the very end or the bend of the large toe. Finish with two coats of top coat-yes, two- to be certain that nothing catches.
This design feels like dressing up just because. I wore the equivalent of a rooftop dinner last fall, and immediately was boosted. It does not feel like it has too much splash of floral but is sophisticated enough not to make it seem too loud. And truth to be told, it becomes quite a confidence tool in itself.
Midnight Zebra & Jet Black
This one is towards the minimalist shaker, but still wants a twist. The combination of shiny jet black and a single silver zebra detail are edgy and yet polished. That monochrome contrast? It also gives a city-night-out feel, which is covered with denim and assure. It is not too crowded, yet is not predictable by any means.
To re-create this I would pick the OPI inky gloss in black onyx. The accent on the silver zebra is done as well as using Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Game of Chromes under the black striping. You will need a fine detail brush on those zebra lines–slow and allow the polish to do the work.
Apply black to all but the accent toe. On the big toe, two layers of silver first. Then, using a small brush, do freehand lines of your zebra stripes in black polish or gel. Add a no-wipe gel top coat on the top for added shine- it glows magnificently amongst low lights.
This design makes me think about evening walks after sunset in ankle boots, denim jackets and a good red lip. It is edgy, crisp, and completes even the plainest variation.
Muted Leafy Minimalism
Nothing is as calming as the combination of soft neutrals and gentle botanical motives. This appearance introduces an ivory cave having hand-painted olive leaves as though it is a minuscule of fall foliage. It is fine art work, discreet and, well, genuinely therapeutic to wear.
For the base, Zoya’s “Chantal” gives that creamy softness. The leafy detail? Use the green color, which is called Try Essie win Me Over and the black one in Olive and June, which is called HD. The lines I prefer to have thin and nearly drawn, not so perfect.
And you will need a nice nail art brush–just put a couple of ovals in with it where the leaves go and drag it through them to give them that depth. Leave the other nails plain to have that contrast. You can go with a matte overcoat or you can go with glossy because it just looks fresher.
It imparts the fun of an elegant nature girl-such as the girl who makes entries in coffee shops and wears cute scarves. I dare say I last wore one to a fall market and the woman who gave me a cup of hot cider said how lovely it was. Cozy, subtle, unforgettable.
Cool-Toned Animal Whisper
Ivory zebra and cool beige combine the colors and this is the result of creative use of neutrals. It is pure but not too much of green hints with the soft animal print. The look is ideal where one wants something done but not to make a lot of noise. Think: your capsule wardrobe’s favorite manicure.
Use CND as base, Field Fox it is a soft taupe color with slightly lavender hue to it. For the zebra lines, Essie’s “Blanc” works perfectly. With a striping brush paint in slight waves, not sharp lines, and do it with a flow like watercolor.
Start with two coats of base. Allow to dry, then with loose strokes of the white paint put white waves on the top and side of the big toe. Top seal it off with Orlies Glosser Top Coat to get the wet-look of it.
I wore this pedi with neutral loafers and a matching tote and it was a gallery day with friends and truly just made the ensemble complete. It’s quiet luxury for your toes.
Cherry Red with a Heartbeat
Unexpected? Maybe. Adorable? Absolutely. This is not only a look that is appropriate in February around Valentine Day; it is completely fall-appropriate as well. The warm red base makes it rich, and by using the heart design this makes it light as well. Not bad at all, great in yeast with a little bit of sass and sweetness to go along with pumpkin spice.
That cherry base is Genndy the Olive & June or Never Yummy the Essies. The hearts are optional and can be painted on with a fine tip dotting tool or toothpick with dab of pink colors such as OPI nail polish in Strawberry Margarita and Zoya nail polish in Sweet. It’s super DIY-friendly.
Paint your toes red and let them dry fully. Paint the base of the big toe white with two side by side pink blobs. pull them together so they coincide at a point–boom, there, you have a heart. Add a couple in different tones to build dimension.
I had this outfit on when I was not quite there whimsically dark myself, but every time I looked at my feet I got a smile on my face. And isn’t that kind of the whole point?
Floral Maximalism in Moody Teal
Finishing on a high note with a print that straight out of a fashion house art print–great bold teal with hand painted florals in pink and golden vines. It’s luxe, vibrant, and absolutely meant to be seen. Where others are falling blooming pedi look lean muted, this has the guts to blossom.
The base I would begin with is ILNP High Tide, a deep teal, for the base, then I would use pinks such as Essie Mod Squad and gold detail polish such as Leafgel Gold Art Liner. These colors pop against darker bases without clashing. A small detail brush is a must here.
Paint your base first. Let it dry completely before starting the flowers. Construct the petals layer by layer, decorate it with small golden details around. Yield depth and dimension with a super-glossy top coat. If hand painting isn’t your thing, a water decal with a similar motif will still turn heads.
It is one of those designs, I keep it in my closet till I travel, have something in mind or feel myself weekends. It automaticsly turns your pedi into something like a part of your outfit- not an afterthought. Teal is not really a typical fall color, though along with pink and gold? It’s basically wearable art.
Dusty Pink Glaze with Opal Sheen
Sometimes, soft speaks louder. Subtle has been played across this delicate pink sheen with the faintest iridescent effect like sun in the fall when it bounces against a light scarf. The nail polish is muted, natural with sparse scarcely-there tints of opal shimmers that adds waves of light to the nail at the most unexpected moments.
I love Essie Sheer Fantasy or Olive and June Pink Sands to redo. Overlay it withHolotaco Aurora Unicorn Skinfor those sparkles of cool-toned glitter. This is just the case of holding back–allow the lustre to accumulate in thin layers.
It’s an easy at-home mani. Apply two coats of your base pink followed by one coat of flake topcoat. Let each dry fully before moving to the next. It is one of those pedicures where you got to slow down and breathe.
I put on something akin to this on a lazy weekend in-large socks, overly-sized cardigan, very little agenda. It did not matter that I went out to get some pastries though, it made me feel a pull together.
Pearlescent White & Crystal Foil
Powdered white with snow-like flecks, with the barest touch of glitter–that is what you wear when you are dreaming of snow before Halloween comes along. It is magic but it is not a super extra thing, there is a quiet drama to it which goes with anything including boots and the fluffy robes.
OPI’s “Funny Bunny” gives the perfect sheer white base, and I layer it with Born Pretty’s iridescent foil flakes or Cirque Colors’ “Weird Flex” for that scattered rainbow effect. Don not forget a thick top coat wherever you put a gel.
Paint the base color and let it fully dry. Then tick in the foil, by tapping near the cuticle or edge, using clear polish to make it stick. End off by locking it in by putting a coat or two of gloss.
This one is, of course, to be worn in those weeks in between seasons when you want to feel a little dreamy/clean. It catches compliments and compliments every outfit.
Bittersweet Chocolate Chic
Rich, deep brown—almost edible. This one is your hot mocha to a nail polish. It sounds earthy, cozy and pairs literally with every neutral-and-denim pairing in your wardrobe. One of the fall favorites that remains new with each following year.
Wicked good or Thor: That is what tints friends are with Essie or Opi are you kidding me is that that dark brown look. Gloss is essential, you want it glossy not matte like it was rubbed down.
It is as easy as one can get it–base coat, two coats of color, top coat. However, to take it up a notch, add a gold toe ring or add a deep burgundy dark nail polish on top of it to give it a complete effect.
This is my shade that I would tend to use every fall because I felt like I was rebooting. It is classic, it is confident, and has the clean look which is cool whether you are at brunch, in boots, or meeting the boss.
Silver Marble Luxe
This design is like pouring melted metal into stone. Smoky white and gray swaven over a milky ground, silver foillagged- this is marble but gag it up. It’s cool-toned and moody, but still full of movement.
Begin with Zoya or Essie such as Snow White or Urban Jungle. Then use a detail brush to swirl in thin lines of grey (try OPI’s “Suzi Talks With Her Hands”) and silver gel polish. Using a dotting tool breaks the pattern using fragments of foil.
Do a painting of your white base and, when the polish is not dry, swirling in the marble colors. When dry, add some silver accents over the top along with a thick top coat to give it depth. Don’t rush this—marble is all about movement and layering.
This one’s ideal for cool-toned wardrobes and metallic accessories. I legit felt on another level when I combined them with silver sandals and a huge white sweater.
Indigo Ink & Porcelain Swirl
It caught me at my scrolling and that is not common with designs. Dark navy mixed with watercolorlike blue and cream strokes, it borders on fine art museum meets gloomy autumn skies. The vibe is dramatic, but sophisticated. And so wearable with denim.
The indigo-colored nails can be seen by using Try Essie of the indigo color online Essie or CND of the indigo color Blue Eyeshadow. With the accent toe, apply milky nude and swirl in royal blue gel with feathered brush. You may even add smudge of white to contrast.
Paint your solids first. Next apply a beige or cream colored polish to the big toe, then drag up blue in short waves so it won t dry sticking in place. A jelly top coat keeps the design dimensional.
I took this out early in the fall when it was cool, but sunny and it honestly made the rest of my ensemble feel purposeful. As I had it all figured out when I did not have it all figured out at all.
Rosy Taupe with Micro-Glitter Dust
One gets a quiet luxury with this design, and it is ideal during that period between October and the beginning of November. The taupe-polish teeters towards mauve with only micro-glitter on the big toe-such as at the close of day on autumn leaves. It is minimalistic, melancholic and gentle in every good sense.
Essie’s “Angora Cardi” or OPI’s “You Don’t Know Jacques!” make for a great base here. I tend to use ILNP shimmer in my “Birthday Suit” in the shimmer with a light or even holo top coat such as Zoya Leia. The shimmer should enhance, not overpower.
Start with your creamy taupe base—two even coats. It is kind of tacky, but gently swipe micro-glitter on with a sponge makeup over the big toe. And then after doing everything, put a top coat to cover it up and give it the glassy bottom.
This one makes me think of cool cafe mornings and reading in a sun corner at a window sill. This is for you, in case you are the person that lives an undone, but still thoughtful style.
Golden Embossed Leaves on Nude
Hello, elegance. This is autumn in a jewelry-like form–soft beige polish with an embossed golden leaf and flake. It is like the luxurious component without the loudness, requires the glass of prosecco, a silk robe and the jazz playing in the background.
I would begin the base with CND Uncovered or OPI Samoan Sand. You can do the 3D gold adornment by using either metal nail decals or gold nail foil combined with a neutral stylish polish. To complete the ooh-lah-lah, add Beetles Gel Gloss Top Coat.
Apply your base and cure it (in case you apply gel). Then impress in the gold where you would have it–around edges or corners. Flatten and set using a dotting tool/ silicone tip. A thicker top coat ensures they won’t snag.
This is the design that I wore to a formal dinner last fall- barely-there glow on the nails, but when the lights flashed? Everyone noticed. It’s refined glam, with all the cozy trimmings.
Gemstone Galaxy Swirls
This is to the Maximalists: I mean well, though. Swirls of purple,blue and magenta that would go to a fall music festival in chunky boots and still manage to stellar- these are also those Jewel toned toes adorned with golden studs. It’s daring, fun, and unapologetically bold.
Use ILNP’s “Birefringence” as a base or layer similar duochrome shades like OPI’s “Turn On the Northern Lights!” It is possible to add swirls with fine liner brush and gel polish of contrasting tone. Studs? Just any little metallic charms-Daily Charme has some good ones.
Use your base, and then blend in the opposing colors, when it is still wet, and then simply put the studs in their places in a delicate manner. Seal everything in cure and seal clear builder gel so that the studs do not move.
I have worn it on a visit to Austin last fall. Cowboy boots, jean shorts, caked-on dewy-eyed flannel-oversizedness-and underneath that very scanty burst of glamour on my intricate little toes. Zero regrets.
Whimsy Blossoms on Lilac
And you are more of a color in soft pastels, even in colder seasons, then this is your sweet spot. A sheer bottom edged in sprinkled, daisy-like blossoms of yellow, purple and lavender. It is playful, innocent and yet fall-appropriate, at least in the fall when fall arrives late because you live in one of the warmer states.
Wear Essie in lilacism or it could be olive and June in JM, as the primary shade. When it comes to florals use dotting tools and detail brushes. The Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants is a wonderful yellow by OPI and Abby is the ideal soft violet by Zoya.
Paint base coat followed by lilac polish then dot minuscule flowers using dotting tool or toothpick. Three petals around a center works perfectly. To fix the centre of every flower and provide it with the shape, apply darker dots.
They are those kind of nails you wear with ballet flats and chunky cardigans- feminine but in a completely effortless manner. I have done this when I wanted to look dressed up but I did not want a full glam team.
Mint & Metallic Botanicals
We can finish off with one of those most unusual combinations: a soft mint green nail polish contrasted with metallic leaf gold highlights. It is new and somewhat surprising in fall- the creamy bottom and earthy touch are an unexpected combo that makes it a hit. Such a rained-on eucalyptus twig that I have stuck between the covers of a hard-cover journal.
KMC by Olive & June is a cloudy mint and in the case of the gold leaf, use Gold Foil Nail Stickers or flakes such as the Gold Leaf Set made by Born Pretty. That soft canvas look will come with a detail brush and neutral base such as OPI Alpine Snow polish softened up with beige.
Apply your mint and nude nail polish and place on some gold foil with a top coat as an adhesive. Press gently and finish with a thick glossy seal. You can have the positioning of the leaves perfect using a small nail art brush.
It is that type of pedi which can give the impression that one is going to encounter someone interesting in a lovely coffee shop in a bookstore. A little vintage, a little trendy—and quietly unforgettable.
Olive Branch Simplicity
When you need a print that radiates serenity in to your day then use this leafy olive print on creamy white toned ground and you will feel the difference. The green is subdued and quiet and the relative positioning of the leaves make it seem purposeful without being excessive. It is nature-acquainted and a bit literary-almost as though your nails are writing a love letter to fall.
I would go with Essie colored base Vanity Fairest or OPI Alpine Snow. Those leaves may be painted with smaller brushes with the help of Olive & June of “Into the Trees” or Zoya of “Bee” and a darker color of the green to mix. Add some gray to desaturate it a little bit to make it more fall-like.
Start with a neutral white base. With a fine liner brush you can sketch little clusters of leaves in the shape of a soft branch. No need for symmetry—organic placement works best. On top of it, use CND Vinylux Weekly Top Coat to prolong the freshness.
This is my comfort, on those cool clear days when I am all wrapped up but still feel a need of something green. It’s soft, smart, and surprisingly soothing.
Classic Black & White Polka Drama
Crunchy white polka dots on matte black polish are the hallmark of an off-the-cuff fall spirit. The dots ensure it is being playful and the matte makes it three-dimensional. The design makes flirts with both vintage and modern styles simultaneously, which is why such associations can be raised as black coffee, leather jackets, and unscheduled bookstore visits.
Apply a base coat such as OPI Black Onyx then a top matte coat such as Essie Matte About You. And in case it comes to dots, use a white nail art pen or a dotting tool in the “Blanc” by Essie to look perfect.
Once you have painted the matte black base, paint little white dots with the tool in an equal space of lines. Don’t stress perfection here—tiny imperfections add charm. Wait till dots are dry then apply another matte topcoat.
Every time I wear polka dots, I get compliments. This version on toes? Totally unexpected and chic. It is the type of gazing which even your lounge makes you look dressed.
Espresso-Tipped Monochrome
This variation of the French tip employs dynamic contrast, rather than gentle figure. Brown tips on white creamy background produces warm coffee house atmosphere – but it makes it stylish. The outcome is crisp, edgy and completely suitable as a fall outfit- layering knits and suede booties.
For your deep espresso, go with OPI or its first lady of nails, Suzies ode to “Suzi or Zoya and its version of Louise. OPI has the best combination with base of its own manufacturing in Let Me Bayou a Drink or opaque and soft ivory. To get clean lines, make use of French tip guides or a fine brush and a steady hand.
Apply two coats of your base color. After it has dried apply the tip guide or do your brown tips freehand. Clean edges are a key to success with this design and you should not hurry. To bring the contrast out, top with a high-gloss.
The style with ankle boots exposing a bit of toe is my favorite. It feels polished (literally) but not try-hard—just like a favorite oversized blazer thrown over leggings.
Warm Dandelion & Coral Petal Play
This design screams joy. Warm lemon yellow is juxtaposed with one coral colour toe blended with the gentle, hand painted flower. It has the feeling of sunshine stuck on your nails and allows you to bring that energy well into fall-even when the days begin to shorten a bit. It is sunny, indeed, but it has the coziness which is so appropriate during the time of year.
As the yellow, Sally Hansen offers Mellow Yellow or OPI has used Sun, Sea and Sand in My Pants. For coral, try Essie’s “Tart Deco”. The flower detail could be drawn with fine brush, or nail art pen- white petals, soft orange or yellow dot at the center.
Just do it simple: yellow all the other toes but big one. Paint the flower on the coral base (using the same painting style) beginning at one corner–the white petals radiating out–the top finished up with a spot of yellow. Top coat with a shiny top coat to have that fresh glassy look.
I love how this one catches the eye. I had an experience where I was out having a fall picnic in the park and I had someone ask me quite literally whether I had them done in a salon. It just lifts your whole mood.
Buttercream Dream
This creamy pastel yellow brings unexpected softness to fall. It is a sort of vanilla pudding to your nails: sweet, soothing, and somewhat nostalgic. Full-coverage, clean application does not look childish, but modern. When you tend not to wear yellow, it is the yellow one to experiment with.
A soft, creamy yellow is Zoya Bee, or Essie All Fun and Games. You want a pigmented polish that does not have to go opaque after two coats with any streaks.
First in your base coat and two smooth-smooth layers of polish. Let each coat dry completely to avoid bubbles. Finish it off using a shiny top coat which will make the shade stand out-particularly in low fall light.
This one feels like home. I have worn it on a weekend slow down retreat wrapped up in a blanket with a hot cup of tea. The color is easy, it has that subtle touch which makes you feel buttery and stitched up.
